Ground-borne vibration generated by vehicles crossing road humps and speed control cushions

Road humps and speed cushions are used to control vehicle speeds in residential areas. Ground-borne vibrations are produced when vehicles pass over these profiles and in some cases they can reach perceptible levels in adjacent buildings. This paper describes a study to assess the size and nature of these vibrations. Measurements of peak particle velocity have been taken alongside a selection of hump and cushion designs using a range of vehicles under controlled driving conditions. Vibration levels have been predicted using a vehicle model and related to measured values. Results from a previous study of the generation and transmission of traffic vibration in different soils have been used to provide guidance on the siting of these surface profiles to avoid disturbance. The research highlights the need to carefully consider the siting of these profiles especially on soft soils.